Elton R. Franke

Elton R. Franke, 85, of Victoria passed away Sunday, February 5, 2012. He was born May 13, 1926, in Pawnee to the late Otto H. and Rita Whitley Franke. He was retired from Service Supply after thirty-eight years in sales. Elton was a descendent of John Himes Livergood who fought in the Texas Revolution, which made him eligible for membership in the Sons of the Republic of Texas. Elton served his country as a Seaman First Class in the United States Navy Armed Guard during World War II, and was decorated with the European African Middle Eastern Campaign medal, the American Campaign medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign medal and the World War II Campaign medal. He was also a member of the Independent Cattlemen’s Association, and was a founding and lifetime member of the Raisin Volunteer Fire Department.

Survivors include his daughters, Marilyn Stewart and husband, Drew, and Debbi Roskey and husband, Tim; son, Patrick Franke, all of Victoria; eight grandchildren, John Ryan Schmidt, Lindsey Schmidt Tumlinson, Cody Rader, Brittany Rader Hudson, Kayla Franke, Lindsay Stewart, Brittany Stewart Hauck and Joshua Roskey; five great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Waldine “Pat” Franke on February 5, 2010; a son, Russell Franke; and a sister, Sybil Wagner.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 7:00 pm Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at Rosewood Funeral Chapels.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Rosewood Funeral Chapels, Father Ralph Baidoo officiating. Burial with full military honors under the auspices of the Victoria Veterans Council will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Schmidt, Cody Rader, Weslee Tumlinson, Jason Hudson, Russell Durrant, Greg Gordon and Jamie Dippel.

Honorary pallbearers will be all members of the Armed Guard of Victoria, Dr. Ifran Quereshi, Elmo Hartman and Werner Benham.

Memorials may be made to Warriors Weekend, 3603 Miori Lane, Victoria, Texas, 77901.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Rosewood Funeral Chapel, Victoria, TX.